Expert: Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com - 11/8/2008

Question
My son has had 6 milk teeth fall out.  All second teeth have grown in naturally except one that fell out in February ( front top) and there is still no sign of his second one coming through!! Should I be concerned? Only just realised its been so long as I looked at a photo of him dated the end of February and was shocked it had been so long.  Many thanks for your kind help.

Answer
Dear Tina,

Sometimes when a deciduous tooth falls out there is a delay before the adult one comes in. It can indeed take longer than 6 months.  If your son hasn't had a check up and a cleaning in the last 6 months it would be a good idea to take him in for one and ask to have a single periapical x ray taken to check on the status of the permanent tooth.  It probably is about to come in, but it would be good to take an x ray to see if he has a permanent successor under the gums.  If not, he will need a flipper or a space maintainer made.

I hope I have answered your question and please feel free to contact me with future dental questions.